Project Overview

Client: Leeton Shire Council Location: Roxy Community Theatre, Leeton, NSW Fire Engineer: SGA Fire Architect: Williams Boag Architects The Roxy Community Theatre, an iconic cultural hub in Leeton, NSW, has long stood as a symbol of the town’s rich heritage. Built decades ago, this beloved venue has witnessed generations of community members coming together for artistic performances, cultural events, and shared memories. However, as the theatre aged, modern fire safety standards became a pressing concern. To ensure the Roxy’s continued role as a community gathering place while preserving its historical integrity, Leeton Shire Council commissioned a refurbishment project that included the installation of advanced fire safety solutions. Greene Fire was chosen to provide a tailored fire curtain solution that would meet stringent modern safety regulations, all while honouring the theatre's unique heritage design.

Challenges

Renovating a heritage building like the Roxy Community Theatre requires a delicate balance between preservation and modernisation. The main challenge was retrofitting fire safety systems into the theatre's existing structure, which featured original architectural elements that needed to be preserved. A critical issue was the non-compliant proscenium opening, which posed a fire risk due to inadequate fire and smoke separation. In addition to these concerns, the theatre's regular use of theatrical smoke during performances presented a unique challenge. The new fire curtain system needed to manage this while preventing false alarms. The solution had to be adaptable, efficient, and seamlessly integrated with the existing systems, ensuring that the safety measures did not detract from the theatre’s ability to deliver immersive performances.

Solution

Greene Fire’s FireMaster S Fire Curtain was the ideal solution to meet these challenges. Designed specifically for this heritage environment, the FireMaster S Fire Curtain provided robust fire protection without compromising on the integrity of the building's design. The curtain offers a two-hour fire resistance rating, ensuring that it serves as a critical barrier against fire and smoke, providing enough time for occupants to evacuate safely while minimising potential structural damage. The solution also adhered to AS 1530.7 standards, effectively managing both ambient and medium-temperature smoke leakage. This makes the FireMaster S Fire Curtain not only a practical solution for fire safety but also a versatile component in the theatre’s smoke exhaust strategy, accommodating performance-based smoke without triggering false alarms. The curtain was engineered to stop one metre above the stage floor during activation, allowing for the necessary make-up air to circulate in conjunction with the theatre’s smoke exhaust system. The installation was carried out without extensive structural modifications, ensuring that the building’s original features were preserved. Greene Fire’s innovative engineering allowed for the seamless integration of the fire curtain within the existing framework, enhancing both functionality and safety without compromising the theatre's historic charm.

Implementation Process

The implementation process began with a comprehensive site assessment, where Greene Fire’s team collaborated with fire engineers, architects, and project managers to develop a tailored solution. Meticulous planning was required to ensure that the fire curtain integrated smoothly with the theatre’s smoke exhaust and sprinkler systems. Detailed designs were made to ensure compatibility, while the installation process was executed with care to avoid disrupting the theatre’s heritage features. Following installation, extensive testing and commissioning were carried out to verify system performance under various fire scenarios. This step was crucial to ensure that the system met all safety and operational requirements. Note: It is at 2 x speed

Results

The FireMaster S Fire Curtain was successfully installed, transforming the Roxy Community Theatre into a safer venue for the Leeton community. By providing effective fire and smoke separation, the system significantly enhanced occupant safety and minimised risks to the building. The tailored design ensured seamless integration with the existing structure, preserving the historical elements while modernising its fire safety capabilities. From an operational perspective, the fire curtain’s ability to accommodate theatrical smoke allowed the theatre to maintain its full range of performance capabilities without compromising safety. The system’s advanced features provided theatre staff with user-friendly controls, ensuring ease of operation and maintenance.

Client Feedback

Leeton Shire Council expressed their appreciation for Greene Fire's expertise and commitment to the project. “Greene Fire’s tailored solutions were essential in transforming our heritage theatre into a safer and more secure venue for our community. The fire curtain system not only met our safety needs but also preserved the Roxy’s character. This balance of safety and heritage preservation has been invaluable to us.”

Conclusion

Greene Fire’s installation of the FireMaster S Fire Curtain at the Roxy Community Theatre showcases our ability to tackle complex fire safety challenges with innovative and customised solutions. By merging cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for heritage preservation, Greene Fire has ensured that the Roxy Theatre remains a safe, functional, and cherished cultural landmark for the generations to come. This project highlights how heritage preservation and community safety can go hand in hand. Much like the theatre itself, this collaboration has strengthened the cultural fabric of Leeton, ensuring that this historical treasure will continue to light up the hearts of local residents for years to come.

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